Report: Mazda Dropping Nagare Design Theme

Mazda's former global design chief, Laurens van den Acker, and former head of U.S. design, Franz von Holzhausen, developed Mazda's flowing Nagare design theme. But now that both men have left Mazda for other projects, it seems the Nagare theme has finally reached its end.

"Nagare is done," Peter Birtwhistle, head of Mazda Europe's design, told Auto Express. "After the [Mazda5], it's highly unlikely that there will be another Nagare car. Mazda has moved on."

The Nagare design theme first appeared on Mazda's aptly named Nagare concept shown at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. Five more concepts, the Kiyora, Hakaze, Ryuga, Taiki, and Furai, also featured the flowing design. Nagare styling elements were mildly applied to the Mazda6, RX-8 refresh, Japan-only Mazda Biante, and the latest Mazda3.

Birtwhistle said top executives in Japan weren't completely convinced the design theme was right for Mazda. He also added that it was "particularly difficult to apply to a boxy people mover," referring to the Mazda5.

As of now it's unclear exactly where Mazda's design direction will go, but the new styling is ultimately up to Ikuo Maeda, Mazda's new design boss. It's said that Maeda's design studio is currently working on a number of concepts under a new design title, "thrusting motion." Mazda will select the winning concept at an internal company event in September before the concept, and the name for Mazda's new design theme, are revealed to the public at the Paris Motor Show. Thankfully, the new design theme will sport a different title when it debuts.